All across this country in small towns, rural areas and cities, alcoholism and drug abuse are destroying the lives of men, women and their families. Where to turn for help? What to do when friends, dignity and perhaps employment are lost?

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For most, there is little doubt that the War on Drugs is an indisputable failure. It has taken an excessive amount of money, manpower, and lives with little to show for it besides one of the worst drug epidemics in the history of the country. Time has proven these policies to be ineffective and costly, so where do we go from here?

Perspective in our nation changes and the stigma attached to addiction is now being to be confronted. Along with it all comes waves of new proposals on how America’s drug policies can evolve. Which is the right way is still unclear.

Right now, while many are confused if Jeff Sessions and the Trump administration will be actively cracking down on marijuana in states with legalization laws, there are others on the federal level that are actively pushing in the opposite direction. Part of a new bill currently in the House is trying to do even more to end the War on Drugs, by directly pushing pro-pot politics.

The Marijuana Justice Act

Last August, Democratic Senator Cory Booker from New Jersey introduced the “Marijuana Justice Act of 2017”. He was joined by Democratic Representative Barbara Lee from California in bringing the reform legislation to both chambers of Congress. Historically, this was the first time a companion legislation was introduced in both chambers to remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). According to early reports, as a companion to Booker’s S. 1689 is the companion bill HR 4815. These efforts are to:

Remove marijuana from CSA

Incentivize states to mitigate existing and ongoing racial disparities in state-level marijuana arrests

Expunge federal convictions specific to marijuana possession

Allow individuals currently in federal prison for marijuana-related violations to petition for resentencing

Create community reinvestment fund to invest in communities most impacted by the War on Drugs

Even those who do not advocate for marijuana legalization at least see the fault in its scheduling. Trey Growdy, the Republican Representative from South Carolina has repeatedly questioned why marijuana is considered a schedule 1 drug. This schedule actually puts it above Cocaine and methamphetamines.

One of the big pieces of the bill is also that bit about expunging convictions. Justin Strekal, political director for NORML (the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) notes that this is “the first piece of legislation that addresses expungement issues,” to clean up former criminal records for cannabis use.

Now, a new version of the bill has been introduced to the House just last week. The goal is described as a campaign against the current federal drug policy and the failed War on Drugs.

Speaking with Sponsors of Bill

Last year, after introducing his version of the bill, Senator Cory Booker stated,

Booker also believes getting rid of old pot-policies of the War on Drugs would help to bolster the economy. He states,

“It’s estimated that legal cannabis in the U.S. would create $40 billion in revenue and nearly a million jobs.”

“But it’s about more than that $40 billion —it’s about equality, and getting rid of the legal past that is stifling individuals’ opportunity and their future.”

One co-sponsor for the bill is Representative Ro Khanna. He says that revenue from taxes on marijuana would then be allocated to funding the programs to reinvest in communities that were harmed by the anti-pot policies of the War on Drugs.

Representative Barbara Lee says,

“This legislation will end this destructive War on Drugs.”

This new bill to attack the War on Drugs also has the support of the Drug Policy Alliance. Kassandra Frederique, the New York States Director for the Drug Policy Alliance, states,

“This bill makes clear to state and local elected officials that they cannot move forward beyond prohibition without taking a serious look at the historical and ongoing impacts of drug war policies.”

Supporters of the bill continue to emphasize that this isn’t just about ending pot prohibition. They say it is also about putting forth resources to help communities recover.

Why are We Talking About This?

As a provider of innovative holistic treatment for drug and alcohol abuse, we pay attention to the way drug policy changes because we know how it impacts communities around the country. In order to provide help to those who need it, we have to be talking about these changes. If drug policies shift, we must talk about how they can affect those who struggle with substance use disorder.

It does not matter if a drug is an illicit black-market substance, or a popular legalized product, substance abuse and addiction are still possible. If marijuana reform is going to continue to grow, it is also our responsibility to bring attention to the possible risks and side effects for some who use marijuana.

If pro-pot politics are going to put marijuana in the mainstream, there should also be an effort to promote substance abuse treatment options. Looking back, if the War on Drugs taught us anything, it is that there should be a strong focus on providing treatment, not punishment. If we want to make things better, we have to offer every opportunity to help those who need it most.

Marijuana abuse can have a noticeable impact on some people’s lives, and often times it is accompanied by another form of substance abuse. Acknowledging the influence of drugs in your life and knowing when to get help can make the recovery process a life-changing journey. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll-free now. We want to help.

(This content is being used for illustrative purposes only; any person depicted in the content is a model)

Author: Justin Mckibben

The growth of medical marijuana reform in America continues to make headway. Some new states are beginning the process of establishing new regulations and policies concerning medical marijuana, and others have already begun to debate fringe issues like drugged driving or workplace drug tests. Medical marijuana is no longer as taboo as it once was, and now innovations are beginning to reinvent the way marijuana is used medically. Something else you may not know about medical marijuana technology is the cannabis transdermal patch.

A few months ago there was the story of the new cannabis inhaler, utilizing the same kind of device that people use for asthma. This unique method of administration has nothing else like it so far. There is enthusiasm about how this could change how people utilize medicinal marijuana to fight cancer and other serious diseases. It may even change how some people view the use of cannabis for medical reasons. So looking at the concept of cannabis transdermal patch, it sparks some curiosity.

Cannabis Transdermal Patch: How Patches Work

To explain, a transdermal patch is basically an adhesive attached to the skin which allows medication to be absorbed through the skin. Of course, transdermal patches already exist for all types of other medications. The nicotine patch is probably one of the most popular forms of transdermal medication. The extremely potent and potentially lethal drug Fentanyl has also been used in the patch form before.

The cannabis transdermal patch would release certain chemicals over time to combat the neurological nerve pain for many patients. According to initial reports from one company, Cannabis Science, so far the research has shown no notable negative side effects.

Cannabis Transdermal Patch: Mary’s Medicinals

This actually isn’t a brand new concept. Since 2013, Mary’s Medicinals is a company that has been focused on medical cannabis. The company was the first to ever offer a cannabis transdermal patch as a method of delivery.

The cannabis transdermal patch from Mary’s has actually won numerous awards at the CannAwards in 2015. In defense of their intentions with the product, they have even said,

“We don’t cater towards the recreational market”

One report says that 80% of the companies products don’t even contain THC. THC is the chemical in marijuana responsible for the “high” people experience.

Cannabis Transdermal Patch: Cannabis Science

The cannabis transdermal patch was created by a company called Cannabis Science. According to one statement from the company about the cannabis transdermal patch,

“An advantage of a transdermal drug delivery route over other types of medication delivery, such as oral, topical, intravenous, intramuscular, etc. is that the patch provides a controlled release of the medication into the patient, usually through body heat melting thin layers of medication embedded in the adhesive which will be containing high potency cannabinoid (CBD) extract that slowly enters into the bloodstream and then penetrates the central nervous system of the patient delivering the pain relief sought.”

So essentially the idea is to create a controlled dosage system for medical cannabis extract that can eliminate other complications of administration. The CEO of Cannabis Science also states,

“The development of these two new pharmaceutical medicinal applications are just the tip of the iceberg,” then later adding, “We are also busy researching more potential needs for cannabis related medical applications and developing the methods for delivery of these medications.”

So it would seem that this team believes the future of medical marijuana could very well be in finding new ways to apply the substance and administer it in a medicinal capacity.

Cannabis Transdermal Patch: Can it be Abused?

So as an individual in recovery and when looking at news in the field of drug abuse, medication and addiction treatment, of course my question is could these patches be abused. As with most people, when you hear anything to do with marijuana you have the stigma attached to it that has become so standard. But in reality, we have seen science support that there are uses for the substance medically.

Same can be said for Xanax or OxyContin, but these are still powerful drugs and with the nation facing an opioid crisis it is probably safe to say that even legal medicine with good intention has the capacity to destroy lives.

So, can the cannabis transdermal patch be abused?

Surely some could be. Depending on the chemical make-up the patch could probably be used as a sneaky way for people to get high. Surely there will be people who go out of their way to figure out how to misuse the cannabis transdermal patch. Still, for most companies the idea behind them has been to specifically develop a method of administering medical marijuana extracts without the “high” side effects.

Regardless of the legal standing of a medication, marijuana or otherwise, the dangers of substance abuse are very real. So perhaps as the use of the cannabis transdermal patch becomes more relevant more research about abuse.

Any substance can be abused and develop into an addiction, even marijuana. If you are struggling with marijuana addiction, do not hesitate to get help today. You are not alone! If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call now.

Thanks to the recent upsurge of marijuana reform in many states there are now more ways than ever to use marijuana. Both through medical and recreational means. Electronic cigarettes are now a commonly used method of smoking cannabis oils, while some have converted the substance to capsules. Edibles and beverages also make up part of the marijuana menu these days. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more diverse, a new product emerges- the cannabis inhaler!

The world’s first-ever cannabis inhaler is starting to make its way to mainstream markets. The name of the first official brand of cannabis inhaler is Vapen Clear, and they claim there is nothing else out there like it.

What is Vapen Clear?

The Vapen Clear title product looks like a typical asthma inhaler. The product is also used in the same way too. The difference is Vapen Clear isn’t loaded with the medicine albuterol.

The cannabis inhaler releases THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana, instead of asthma prescription medication. The makers of the cannabis inhaler state:

“It packs a powerful 10mg expenditure per puff, which equals to 100 total puffs per cartridge but can be toned down to meet your needs.”

The makers of the cannabis inhaler also point out the aspects of their product that sets it apart from other marijuana accessories. With the vaporizer pens that have become increasingly popular the device heats the contents in order to create smoke. With the Vapen Clear the makers say it doesn’t heat the THC. Instead, the cannabis inhaler uses a propellant to blast the “medicine” directly into the lungs.

This would probably make the most sense for the individuals who are trying to use marijuana for medicinal purposes. Some people want to avoid the smoke entirely, and it can’t be good for you anyway.

Cannabis Inhaler Marketing

The Vapen Clear cannabis inhaler is already at an advantage for being the first of its kind. Still, the marketers have decided to expand the strategy, and utilize the preferences associated with marijuana to sell different brands of the Vapen Clear. So far they advertise three different designs based on a different marijuana strain. For example:

The “Daytime” inhaler comes with THC from a Sativa strain, because they claim Sativa marijuana produces energy.

The “Nighttime” inhaler comes with an Indica strain to provide a more mellowing effect.

The “Afternoon” inhaler is described to provide a more steady feeling from a hybrid (blended strain) of the two.

So far, the Vapen Clear cannabis inhaler is only available in Arizona at select specialist centers. However, their site claims that soon the new Vapen Clear products will be available in multiple other states, including:

As enterprises involved in the expanded market of legalized marijuana evolve, there is sure to be more and more developments such as this to expose a wider population to various means of marijuana consumption. The only question is, is this necessarily a good thing for everyone?

The Cons

While there is a fair amount of support for the progression of marijuana reform, especially for medical reasons, there is still a fair amount of risk involved.

For one, does it make it easier for the drug to be abused? Not only does the design keep it discrete for those who might have legitimate access to it, but also for those who do not. Then, with the new method of administration, will there be an increase chances of abuse?

Also, with this new method of consumption, could there be unforeseen health risks?

With any drug there are risks, even if there is a movement to legalize and de-stigmatize marijuana. Marijuana may not be considered as dangerous as heroin or other illicit narcotics, but to addicts a drug is a drug. Could there be an adverse impact resulting from this new cannabis inhaler? Is this new device a piece of drug-abuse-enabling technology?

Any substance can be abused and develop into an addiction, even marijuana. If you are struggling with marijuana addiction, do not hesitate to get help today. You are not alone! If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call now.

In case you didn’t know, the legalization of certain drugs and the prohibition of others rarely has to do with actual science. So, for example alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs are all legal. They are also the deadliest drugs in America, contributing to more health risks and deaths than illicit drugs are associated with.

One major contributing factor of total tobacco and alcohol deaths is that both substances are legal and easily available. As a result, they are also socially-acceptable to use.

What about marijuana? Up until recently, it was illegal.

Marijuana: A Brief History Lesson

The country is polarized when it comes to the legalization of marijuana, whether it be for medical purposes only or for recreational use. Marijuana has long been vilified in the media by newspaper men such as William Randolph Hearst, whose wild and sensational ‘old wives tales’ of the “Devil’s Weed” were spread via main news sources of the time (newspapers) in a large-scale smear campaign.

You see, Hearst was ‘in bed’ – as it were – with the Dupont Brothers who had recently patented the wood-pulping machine. This meant that paper was to become the go-to for printing newspapers. At that time, though, hemp was being considered – by the American government’s Agriculture Department – as the “Billion Dollar Crop of the Future.” If hemp, instead of trees, was to be grown and cultivated, that would make the Duponts’ invention obsolete.

Hemp vs. Marijuana

If you didn’t know, marijuana and hemp go hand-in-hand. Hemp and marijuana both come from the same plant, Cannabis Sativa L. Hemp is the cannabis stalk and seeds that are used for textiles, foods, papers, body care products, detergents, plastics and building materials; it doesn’t contain the psychoactive drug THC that marijuana does. Thus, ‘marijuana’ refers to the cannabis flowers, or buds, that are used for medicinal and recreational purposes.

The Three Deadliest Drugs Just So Happen to Be Legal

As the US debates drug policy and marijuana legalization, there’s one aspect of the war on drugs that remains perplexingly contradictory: some of the most dangerous drugs in the US are perfectly legal.

If you don’t believe me, just take a gander at this chart, compiled with available data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Alcohol: One of the three deadliest – and legal – drugs

The rates of direct death and overdose leave out other factors such as health and socioeconomic issues. Alcohol, in particular, is widely associated with several issues, such as a higher rate of crime and traffic accidents that cause harm both to users and to society as a whole. What makes alcohol so dangerous is most obvious when looking at health effects and drunk driving. But there are other major issues when it comes to alcohol, like aggression, erratic behavior, injuries, drop in economic productivity, family problems, and even crime. Alcohol is a factor in 40% of violent crimes, according to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

Alcohol increases the risk of a traffic accident 13 times over, whereas other drugs double to triple the risk.

It takes less relative doses to die from alcohol than it does to die from marijuana and even cocaine

Alcohol causes more fatal traffic accidents than other drugs – in 2010 alcohol caused more than 10,000 traffic fatalities

Tobacco is a known killer

Smoking cigarettes used to be chic and very commonplace. I mean, you could smoke on airplanes and even hospitals! Just watch an older movie, like The Exorcist (the original) in which a doctor is seen smoking in a hospital, and you can see remnants of a by-gone era.

Once the evidence of just how detrimental cigarette smoking and tobacco was uncovered, all hell broke loose. Do you remember all the lawsuits Big Tobacco was fighting? Yet, tobacco remains a legal substance – a heavily-taxed substance, but legal nonetheless.

Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs like narcotic painkillers and benzos (Xanax and Valium) are super popular in a pill-popping society like ours. Back pain? Take a pill. Headache? There’s a pill for that. Social anxiety? Here, swallow this. With all these meds floating around, doctors, parents, and even grandparents have become unwitting drug dealers.

Although there are conditions for which medication might be a necessary intervention, there are non-narcotic alternatives as well as lifestyle changes that can improve quality of life. If you are struggling with alcohol, prescription pills, or any other substance, help is available. Please call toll-free 1-800-951-6135. Addiction Specialists are available around the clock to answer your questions. You are not alone.

Colorado is rolling out a major ad campaign to remind citizens that while recreational marijuana is legal, they’re still not permitted to smoke and drive. The state’s Department of Transportation released three new ads that will begin airing on TV Monday, all carrying the tagline “Drive High, Get A DUI.” The ads amusingly show people trying to complete simple tasks while stoned, in an effort to point out that someone who is too high to set up a television shouldn’t be getting behind the wheel of a vehicle.

According to a Colorado law passed in May of 2013, any driver found to have at least 5 nanograms of THC, the psychoactive component in marijuana, per milliliter of blood can be indicted with a DUI. Pro-marijuana protesters have expressed frustration with the law because many experts say there is no proof showing that 5 nanograms per milliliter shows that someone is impaired. To implement the law, Colorado has trained 200 drug-recognition officers, who are looking for inflamed pupils and small body shakes in drivers alleged of being under the influence of marijuana.

It’s never been legal to drive while you’re impaired by any drug in Colorado, but this is the first time there’s a belief that a specific level of THC in your blood means you’re high. Since the debated new limits approved, Denver criminal defense attorney Sean McAllister told me he’s seen an uptick in marijuana-related driving arrests. Medical pot users also fear getting stopped now since they may have THC levels beyond the legal limit but don’t feel too high to drive.

Every state in the US has a legal driving limit for blood alcohol levels along with some type of law regulating drug use and driving. These laws are recognized as DUID laws – which stand for driving under the influence of drugs. The concept behind these laws is that being high on the road may be hazardous.

While Colorado just legalized recreational pot in November of 2012, medical marijuana has been legal there since 2000, and medical-marijuana protestors recoiled at a driving limit for pot in the state when the measure was previously conquered. The Denver Post reported that before the Colorado DUID bill failed in May 2012, medical marijuana protestors claimed that 5 nanograms was too low and that efficiently sober people would end up getting arrested.

Colorado’s new law lets drivers try to submit proof in court showing they weren’t impaired even though their THC blood levels were above the legal limit. That standard is known as “permissive inference.” But you’d have to have a good lawyer to get out of a DUID with 5 nanograms in your blood, even if you were fine to drive. Marijuana supporters say there simply isn’t sufficient evidence to connect certain THC levels to impaired driving, even though many states have secured a precise number to impairment. For now, medical users who might have too much THC in their blood should possibly try to be low-key on the road or stay home and not drive at all. If you or a loved one are struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll free 1-800-951-6135.